Gene Assembly

Hudson has succeeded in automating the complete gene assembly process, the key first step of the typical synthetic biology pipeline. We have systems that can be integrated with commercial automated oligo synthesizers, as well as subsequent de-protection and purification. In addition, we can pool oligos and carry them through the complete process to form functioning genes and complete genomes, such as viruses.

We have automated solutions for each of the steps of the Gene Assembly Sub-Pipeline.

Gene Assembly Sub-Pipeline

Click on the text or graphic in the pipeline to learn more about each step.

Click the “Related Products” tab to learn more about the various options we provide to support Gene Assembly

Contact us if you require a custom solution that isn’t currently on our list, or require more information about these products.

Additional Information

Oligo Synthesis – Downloads desired oligo formulations from a local file or via internet. Converts the file information into specific instructions for an automated oligo synthesizer, as well as operator prompts to insure that the required materials are present.

Deprotection and Purification – Elutes the synthesized oligos from their solid substrates, then deprotects them in a seamless, fully automated series of steps. These steps include a rinse under vacuum of the synthesizer columns, addition of deprotection reagents, sealing the collection plate (if necessary), performing the deprotectiion reaction, then unsealing the plate. All this is done in a hands-free automated process.

Normalization – Utilizing an absorbance microplate reader and SoftLinx’s ability to adapt its instrument instructions to the results of the reader, the system’s SOLO automated pipettor performs a series of sample transfers and diluitions to achieve a normalized DNA concentration in every plate well.

Pooling – Following the downloaded sequence instructions provided at the beginning of the process, SoftLinx laboratory automation software directs the system’s pipettor to pool the appropriate oligos to enable the final assembly process to achieve the full gene sequence desired.

Gene Assembly – The final step in the gene production process involves a combination of PCR heating and cooling steps with SoftLinx-directed pipetting of the appropriate reagents to create a completed gene assembly.

The Hudson SOLO™ liquid handling robot is an automated pipettor that can do anything expected of a hand-held pipettor, perfectly. It is about half the cost of other laboratory robotics platforms and has options of 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 microplate nests on the deck. The SOLO will fit into most biological safety cabinets, anaerobic chambers and fume hoods. The SOLO can be loaded and operated manually, but is also compatible with robotic arms from most manufacturers, including our PlateCrane EX. The small footprint and open design of the SOLO automated pipettor provides easy integration with accessories, such as heating and cooling nests, incubators, magnetic bead nests, automatable centrifuges, microplate readers and more. Our SoftLinx lab automation software has software Plug-ins to over 200 3rd party lab instruments.

Hudson has developed a plugin for the Biometra TRobot thermocycler. This integration has been incorporated into a number of workstations that require a PCR step as part of the supported application pipeline.

The RapidPick MP is the fastest, most accurate automated multi-pin colony picking system in the world with over 99% inoculation rates and typical speeds of picking over 2,400 bacterial colonies per hour. The small footprint saves lab space, allows for easy cleaning and fits into anaerobic chambers for microbiota research and biosafety hoods. The RapiPick MP is at the heart of the Complete and Lite systems which include robotic plate loading, media filling as well as other features, such as plate sealing in the RapidPick Complete Workcell.

The RapidPick MP is intended for researchers who need the accuracy and high outgrowth rates of the RapidPick colony-picker, but whose workload doesn’t require the added automation available in the Complete or Lite systems.

Hudson has developed a plugin for the inheco ODTC 96 thermocycler. This represents another integration that has been incorporated into workstations that require a PCR step as part of the supported application pipeline.

Hudson has developed a plugin for the Roche LightCycler high-throughput PCR instrument. Integration with the PlateCrane will allow you to take full advantage of the high level of stand-alone performance of this instrument.